Anti-inflammatory effect of enzymatic hydrolysate of corn gluten in an experimental model of colitis

Objectives Intestinal bacteria are thought to be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammatory bowel diseases. Prebiotics (non-digestable dietary carbohydrate) have beneficial properties that alter the intestinal flora and contain glutamine-rich protein. Glutamine significantly decreases indices of inflammation. In this study, an enzymatic hydrolysate of corn gluten (EHCG) was administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats fed an elemental diet to determine whether EHCG can ameliorate experimental colitis. Methods Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid after 10 days' daily oral administration of EHCG at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Macroscopic damage was assessed using a scoring system. The mucosa homogenate was sonicated and myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels measured. Key findings Treatment with EHCG significantly decreased the severity of injury and reduced myeloperoxidase activity and histamine levels in the distal colon mucosa. Conclusions EHCG may have therapeutic benefit as a supplement in enteral nutrition for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.